Efficient Wide Bandwidth Operation and Efficient UE-Specific RF Bandwidth Adaptation

ABSTRACT

In one novel aspect, a plurality of synchronization signal (SS) anchors within a block of a contiguous spectrum is configured in a wireless network, wherein each SS anchor is a primary SS anchor or a secondary SS anchor. The UE performs an initial access by detecting a first primary SS anchor and receives one or more virtual carrier configurations with corresponding SS anchors within the block of the contiguous spectrum. In another novel aspect, The UE performs an initial access through a first RF band with a first bandwidth and a first center frequency, receives a switching signal to switch from the first RF band to a second RF band with a second bandwidth and a second center frequency, wherein the second bandwidth is different from the first bandwidth, and performs a RF bandwidth adaptation from the first RF band to the second RF band based on the adaptation signal.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 U.S. provisionalapplication 62/444,879 entitled “EFFICIENT WIDER BANDWIDTH OPERATION FOROFDMA SYSTEMS” filed on Jan. 11, 2017, and application 62/474,100entitled “EFFICIENT UE-SPECIFIC RF BANDWIDTH ADAPTATION” filed on Mar.21, 2017, the subject matter of which is incorporated herein byreference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The disclosed embodiments relate generally to wireless communication,and, more particularly, to methods and apparatus for efficient widerbandwidth operation and efficient UE-specific RF bandwidth adaptation.

BACKGROUND

Mobile networks communication continues to grow rapidly. The mobile datausage will continue skyrocketing. New data applications and serviceswill require higher speed and more efficient. Large data bandwidthapplication continues to attract more consumers. New technologies aredeveloped to meet the growth such as carrier aggregation (CA), whichenables operators, vendors, content providers and the other mobile usersto meet the increasing requirement for the data bandwidth. However,carrier aggregation assumes multiple RF chains for signal reception evenfor physically contiguous spectrum, which introduces long transitiontime to activate more carriers from one carrier for larger databandwidth and decreases the efficiency of the data transmission.

In frequency bands above 3 GHz, there could be a block of physicallycontinuous spectrum up to hundreds of MHz. The single carrier operationfor such large continuous spectrum is more efficient in both thephysical (PHY) control, with lower control signaling overhead, and PHYdata, with higher trunking gains. It is, therefore, to configure thelarge contiguous spectrum for large data transmission instead ofconfiguring multiple small spectrum resources. However, from the systemlevel, not all the user equipment (UEs) require large channel bandwidth.Further, for each UE, not all applications require large channelbandwidth. Given that wideband operation requires higher powerconsumption, the use of the large spectrum resource for controlsignaling monitoring and low-data-rate services is not ideal for powersaving and bandwidth efficiency.

In the 3GPP RAN1, 5G base station should be able to support UEsoperating with single wideband carrier & UEs operating with intra-bandcarrier aggregation over the same contiguous spectrum simultaneously. Itis also agreed that UE RF bandwidth adaptation is supported forsingle-carrier operation. How to support UEs operating with singlewideband carrier and UEs operating with intra-band carrier aggregationover the same contiguous spectrum simultaneously requires new design.

Improvements and enhancements are required to facilitate 5G base stationto support UEs operating with single wideband carrier & UEs operatingwith intra-band carrier aggregation over the same contiguous spectrumsimultaneously and to facilitate UE RF bandwidth adaptation insingle-carrier operation.

SUMMARY

Apparatus and methods are provided for multi-anchor structure andbandwidth adaptation. In one novel aspect, multi-anchor structure isprovided in a contiguous RF spectrum. In one embodiment, a plurality ofsynchronization signal (SS) anchors within a block of a contiguousspectrum is configured in a wireless network, wherein each SS anchor isa primary SS anchor or a secondary SS anchor. The UE performs an initialaccess by detecting a first primary SS anchor within the block of thecontiguous spectrum and receives one or more virtual carrier (VC)configurations with corresponding SS anchors within the block of thecontiguous spectrum. In one embodiment, one or more downlink (DL)primary SS anchors are configured with synchronization signals andbroadcasting channels for system information (SI). None, one or more DLsecondary SS anchors are configured with synchronization signals. Inanother embodiment, one or more downlink (DL) primary SS anchors areconfigured with primary synchronization signal (PSS) and secondarysynchronization signal (SSS) and broadcasting channels for systeminformation (SI). None, one or more DL secondary SS anchors areconfigured with SSS only. In yet another embodiment, one or moredownlink (DL) primary SS anchors are configured with PSS and SSS in the1st relative timing SS1 and broadcasting channels for system information(SI). None, one or more DL secondary SS anchors are configured with PSSand SSS with the 2^(nd) relative timing SS2.

In one embodiment, one primary SS anchor and one or more secondary SSanchors are configured, and wherein each SS anchor uses a different codesequence, and wherein the UE uses the SS sequence in the primary SSanchor as a physical cell identification (PCI) for a common virtualcarrier (CVC). In another embodiment, a plurality of primary SS anchorsand one or more secondary SS anchors are configured, and wherein each SSanchor uses a different code sequence, and wherein the UE uses the SSsequence in one primary SS anchor that is used for initial access orbeing configured by the network as a physical cell identification (PCI)for a common virtual carrier (CVC).

In another novel aspect, the bandwidth adaptation is performed. In oneembodiment, the UE performs an initial access in a wireless networkwithin a contiguous bandwidth through a first RF configuration with afirst bandwidth and a first center frequency, receives a switchingsignal to switch from the first RF configuration to a second RFconfiguration with a second bandwidth and a second center frequency,wherein the second bandwidth is different from the first bandwidth, andperforms a RF bandwidth adaptation from the first RF configuration tothe second RF configuration based on the adaptation signal. In oneembodiment, the UE monitors paging messages using a third RFconfiguration with a third bandwidth and a third center frequency in aUE IDLE mode, wherein the third RF bandwidth is smaller than at leastone of the first bandwidth and the second bandwidth. In one embodiment,the switching signal is a bandwidth adaptation signal comprising atleast one adaptation signal comprising: a bandwidth and a centerfrequency location of a target VC, a DL transmission power spectraldensity (PSD) of a target VC, a UL power control command for ULtransmission power adjustment over the target VC, a triggering signal ofDL aperiodic reference signal (RS) for channel status information (CSI)measurement, and a triggering signal of UL sounding reference signal(SRS) transmission. In another embodiment, the switching signal is avirtual carrier (VC) configuration switch signal comprising at least oneVC signal comprising: a VC configuration index, a bandwidth and a centerfrequency location of a target VC, a DL transmission power spectraldensity (PSD) of a target VC, a UL power control command for ULtransmission power adjustment over the target VC.

Other embodiments and advantages are described in the detaileddescription below. This summary does not purport to define theinvention. The invention is defined by the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, where like numerals indicate like components,illustrate embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 1 illustrates a system diagram of a wireless network with multiplesynchronization signal (SS) anchors configured in one contiguousbandwidth carrier in accordance with embodiments of the currentinvention.

FIG. 2A illustrates an exemplary diagram of a multi-anchor structurewith primary and secondary SS anchors contains synchronization signalsin accordance with embodiments of the current invention.

FIG. 2B illustrates an exemplary diagram of a multi-anchor structurewith primary SS anchor contains PSS and SSS and secondary SS anchorscontain SSS only signals in accordance with embodiments of the currentinvention.

FIG. 2C illustrates an exemplary diagram of a multi-anchor structurewith primary SS anchor contains PSS and SSS with the 1^(st) relativetiming (SS1) and secondary SS anchors contain PSS and SSS with the2^(nd) relative timing (SS2) signals in accordance with embodiments ofthe current invention.

FIG. 3A illustrates an exemplary diagram for the configuration of oneprimary SS-anchor plus one or more secondary SS-anchors within a blockof contiguous spectrum using single-carrier operation in accordance withembodiments of the current invention.

FIG. 3B illustrates an exemplary diagram for the configuration ofmultiple primary SS-anchor plus one or more secondary SS-anchors withina block of contiguous spectrum using single-carrier operation inaccordance with embodiments of the current invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary diagram of the single-carrier operationwith CVC and DVC in accordance with embodiments of the currentinvention.

FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary diagram for bandwidth adaptation inaccordance with embodiments of the current invention.

FIG. 6 illustrates exemplary diagrams for different scenarios forbandwidth adaptation in accordance with embodiments of the currentinvention.

FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary diagram for the UE bandwidth adaptationprocess in accordance with embodiments of the current invention.

FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary flow chart for the UE operation withmulti-anchor structure in accordance with embodiments of the currentinvention.

FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary flow chart for the UE performingbandwidth adaptation in accordance with embodiments of the currentinvention.

FIG. 10 illustrates an exemplary flow chart for the DL RRM in accordancewith embodiments of the current invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to some embodiments of theinvention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings.

FIG. 1 illustrates a system diagram of a wireless network 100 withmultiple synchronization signal (SS) anchors configured in onecontiguous bandwidth carrier in accordance with embodiments of thecurrent invention. Wireless communication system 100 includes one ormore wireless networks each of the wireless communication network hasfixed base infrastructure units, such as receiving wirelesscommunications devices or base unit 102 103, and 104, forming wirelessnetworks distributed over a geographical region. The base unit may alsobe referred to as an access point, an access terminal, a base station, aNode-B, an eNode-B, a gNB, or by other terminology used in the art. Eachof the base unit 102, 103, and 104 serves a geographic area. Backhaulconnections 113, 114 and 115 connect the non-co-located receiving baseunits, such as 102, 103, and 104. These backhaul connections can beeither ideal or non-ideal

A wireless communications device 101 in wireless network 100 is servedby base station 102 via uplink 111 and downlink 112. Other UEs 105, 106,107, and 108 are served by different base stations. UEs 105 and 106 areserved by base station 102. UE 107 is served by base station 104. UE 108is served by base station 103.

In one embodiment, wireless communication network 100 operates withlarge contiguous radio spectrums. UE 101 while accessing wirelesscommunication network 100, acquires synchronization information andsystem information using primary SS anchor. UE 101 subsequently acquiresSS anchor configurations. UE 101 performs bandwidth adaptation based onthe SS anchor configurations.

FIG. 1 further shows simplified block diagrams of wireless stations 101and base station 102 in accordance with the current invention.

Base station 102 has an antenna 126, which transmits and receives radiosignals. A RF transceiver module 123, coupled with the antenna, receivesRF signals from antenna 126, converts them to baseband signals and sendsthem to processor 122. RF transceiver 123 also converts receivedbaseband signals from processor 122, converts them to RF signals, andsends out to antenna 126. Processor 122 processes the received basebandsignals and invokes different functional modules to perform features inbase station 102. Memory 121 stores program instructions and data 124 tocontrol the operations of base station 102. Base station 102 alsoincludes a set of control modules, such as a wide band manager 181 thatconfigures SS anchors, virtual carriers (VCs) and communicates with UEsto implement the wide band operations.

UE 101 has an antenna 135, which transmits and receives radio signals. ARF transceiver module 134, coupled with the antenna, receives RF signalsfrom antenna 135, converts them to baseband signals and sends them toprocessor 132. RF transceiver 134 also converts received basebandsignals from processor 132, converts them to RF signals, and sends outto antenna 135. Processor 132 processes the received baseband signalsand invokes different functional modules to perform features in mobilestation 101. Memory 131 stores program instructions and data 136 tocontrol the operations of mobile station 101.

UE 101 also includes a set of control modules that carry out functionaltasks. A configuration 191 configures a plurality of synchronizationsignal (SS) anchors within a block of a contiguous spectrum in awireless network, wherein each SS anchor is a primary SS anchor or asecondary SS anchor. An initial access manager 192 configures aplurality of synchronization signal (SS) anchors within a block of acontiguous spectrum, wherein each SS anchor is a primary SS anchor or asecondary SS anchor. A virtual carrier (VC) receiver 193 receives one ormore VC configurations with corresponding SS anchors within the block ofthe contiguous spectrum. A DVC manager 194 switches to a DVC containinga first secondary SS anchor and performs synchronization through thefirst secondary SS anchor. A bandwidth adaptor 195 performs an initialaccess through a first RF configuration with a first bandwidth and afirst center frequency, receives a switching signal to switch from thefirst RF configuration to a second RF configuration with a secondbandwidth and a second center frequency, wherein the second bandwidth isdifferent from the first bandwidth, and performs a RF bandwidthadaptation from the first RF configuration to the second RFconfiguration based on the adaptation signal. An IDLE-mode manager 196monitors paging messages using a third RF band with a third bandwidthand a third center frequency in a UE IDLE mode, wherein the third RFbandwidth is smaller than at least one of the first bandwidth and thesecond bandwidth.

Wider Band Operations with Multi-Anchor Structure

In one novel aspect, multiple SS anchors are configured for a contiguousRF band. Each SS anchor is configured to be a primary SS anchor or asecondary SS anchor. One or more common virtual carrier (CVC) and one ormore dedicated virtual carrier (DVC) are configured. There are differentways to configure the SS anchors. FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C illustratesdifferent embodiments the SS anchor configurations.

FIG. 2A illustrates an exemplary diagram of a multi-anchor structurewith primary and secondary SS anchors contains synchronization signalsin accordance with embodiments of the current invention. Multiple SSanchors are configured by the wireless network with a wide bandwidth X.In one embodiment, the bandwidth X is 100M. Other network may configuredifferent wide band. A CVC with a bandwidth Y is configured. In oneembodiment, bandwidth Y is 20M, with a synchronization signal (SS)occupying a bandwidth of 10M. Multiple primary SS anchors 231, 232, and233 are configured. Multiple secondary SS anchors 241, 242, 243, 244,245 and 246. In one embodiment, UE 201, 202, and 203 operate in singlecarrier mode 210. UE 204, 205, and 206 operate in multi-carrier mode220. The UEs are configured with different CVC and/or DVC in singlecarrier mode. The UEs are further configured with primary cell (PCell)and secondary cell (SCell) in multi-carrier mode. UE 201 in singlecarrier mode is configured with DVC 214. UE 202 in single carrier modeis configured with CVC 212 and DVC 211. UE 203 in single carrier mode isconfigured with CVC 213. UE 204 in multi-carrier mode is configured withPCell 221. UE 205 in multi-carrier mode is configured with PCell 222 andSCell 224. UE 206 in multi-carrier mode is configured with PCell 223 andSCell 225. The CVC should contain at least one DL primary SS anchor. TheDVC should contain at least one DL secondary SS anchor. In oneembodiment, one or more DL primary SS-anchors, which includesynchronization signal(s) 251 and physical-channels carrying the minimalsystem information for RACH, including MIB and compact SIB 261, and RSfor DL RRM and/or fine synchronization signals 271. one or more, DLsecondary SS-anchors, which include synchronization signal(s) 251. TheUE access the network through a primary SS anchor. The UE, whenswitching to a DVC, performs synchronization through the secondary SSanchor.

When UE performs initial access, the UE needs to find the primary SSanchor. To facilitate the process of locating the primary SS anchor,different configurations are used.

FIG. 2B illustrates an exemplary diagram of a multi-anchor structurewith primary SS anchor contains PSS and SSS and secondary SS anchorscontain SSS only signals in accordance with embodiments of the currentinvention. Similar to FIG. 2A, multiple primary and secondary SS anchorsare configured. In one embodiment, the synchronization signal 252, whichincludes the primary synchronization signal (PSS) and the secondarysynchronization signal (SSS) are included. The secondary SS anchor,however, only includes SSS 282. The UE while searching for the primarySS anchor will skip the secondary SSS anchors because it cannot detectthe PSS. This configuration facilitates the UE to locate the primary SSanchor.

FIG. 2C illustrates an exemplary diagram of a multi-anchor structurewith primary SS anchor contains PSS and SSS with the 1^(st) relativetiming (SS1) and secondary SS anchors contain PSS and SSS with the2^(nd) relative timing (SS2) signals in accordance with embodiments ofthe current invention. Similar to FIG. 2B, different synchronizationsignal is used for secondary SS anchor. The DL primary SS anchorincludes PSS and SSS with 1^(st) relative timing (SS1)253 with the PSSin the first symbol followed by the SSS and physical-channels carryingthe minimal system information for RACH. The DL secondary SS anchorincludes PSS and SSS with 2^(nd) relative timing (SS2) with the SSS inthe first symbol followed by the PSS. When the UE detects the secondarySSS anchor, because the PSS and SSS are in the 2^(nd) relative timing,it cannot use it as the synchronization signal and will skip thesecondary SSS anchor. This configuration also facilitates the UE tolocate the primary SS anchor.

There are different configurations for the CVC and DVC with the primaryand second SS anchors. Different embodiments are provided to locate thesynchronization signals for different configurations.

FIG. 3A illustrates an exemplary diagram for the configuration of oneprimary SS-anchor plus one or more secondary SS-anchors within a blockof contiguous spectrum using single-carrier operation in accordance withembodiments of the current invention. In one embodiment, thesynchronization signal(s) in all SS-anchors share the same codesequence. The UE access the CVC and DVC using the detected SS. Inanother embodiment, synchronization signal(s) in all SS-anchors use adifferent code sequence from each other. With different code sequences,it results in better efficiency for AGC due to lower PAPR if UE usessingle RF chain to receive the signal over the whole block of contiguousspectrum. Further, LTE carrier aggregation mechanism can be maximallyreused to support carrier aggregation over the block of contiguousspectrum. The network is configured the single primary SS anchor 310include a primary SS 321, secondary SS 311, 312 and 313. CVC 331 for UE301 is configured with primary SS anchor 321 and secondary SS anchors311. CVC 334 for UE 302 is configured with primary SS anchor 321. If aCVC for a UE, such as UE 301, contains multiple SS-anchors, UE 301assumes the synchronization signal sequence in the primary SS-anchor 321as the physical cell identification for the CVC. In one embodiment, thelocation of other SS-anchors should be notified to the UE via RRC-layersignaling or MAC CE for coding chain rate matching in data channel. DVC341 for UE 301 is configured with primary SS anchor 321 and secondary SSanchors 311 and 312. DVC 345 for UE 302 is configured with secondary SSanchors 312 and 313. If a DVC for a UE contains multiple SS-anchors, UEshould assume the synchronization signal sequence in the secondarySS-anchor configured by the network via RRC-layer signaling or MAC CE asthe physical cell identification for the DVC. In one embodiment, thelocation of other SS-anchors should be notified to the UE via RRC-layersignaling or MAC CE for coding chain rate matching in data channel.

FIG. 3B illustrates an exemplary diagram for the configuration ofmultiple primary SS-anchor plus one or more secondary SS-anchors withina block of contiguous spectrum using single-carrier operation inaccordance with embodiments of the current invention. In one embodiment,the synchronization signal(s) in all SS-anchors share the same codesequence. The UE access the CVC and DVC using the detected SS. Inanother embodiment, synchronization signal(s) in all SS-anchors use adifferent code sequence from each other. With different code sequences,it results in better efficiency for AGC due to lower PAPR if UE usessingle RF chain to receive the signal over the whole block of contiguousspectrum. Further, LTE carrier aggregation mechanism can be maximallyreused to support carrier aggregation over the block of contiguousspectrum. The network is configured the multiple primary SS anchor 320include a primary SS 321 and primary SSS 322, secondary SS 311, 312 and313. CVC 351 for UE 301 is configured with primary SS anchor 321, 322and secondary SS anchors 311 and 312. CVC 352 for UE 302 is configuredwith primary SS anchors 321 and 322. If a CVC for a UE, such as UE 301,contains multiple SS-anchors, UE 301 assumes the synchronization signalsequence in the primary SS-anchor 331 as the physical cellidentification for the CVC. In one embodiment, the location of otherSS-anchors should be notified to the UE via RRC-layer signaling or MACCE for coding chain rate matching in data channel. DVC 361 for UE 301 isconfigured with primary SS anchor 322 and secondary SS anchors 311 and312. DVC 362 for UE 302 is configured with secondary SS anchors 311,312, and 313. If a DVC for a UE contains multiple SS-anchors, UE shouldassume the synchronization signal sequence in the secondary SS-anchorconfigured by the network via RRC-layer signaling or MAC CE as thephysical cell identification for the DVC. In one embodiment, thelocation of other SS-anchors should be notified to the UE via RRC-layersignaling or MAC CE for coding chain rate matching in data channel.

FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary diagram of the single-carrier operationwith CVC and DVC in accordance with embodiments of the currentinvention. The UE can be configured with DL CVC, DL DVC, UL CVC and ULDVC. DL configuration 401 includes DL CVC configure 411, and DL DVCconfiguration 412. UL configuration 402 includes UL CVC configuration421 and UL DVC configuration 422.

In one embodiment, the DL CVC includes at least one primary SS anchor.UE can perform initial access or network entry and operate withCONNECTED state 432, INACTIVE state 431 and IDLE mode 433 over it. DLCVC 411 includes physical signals/channels supporting data services.Further, DL CVC 411 may include DL primary SS-anchor, and Referencesignals for downlink RRM measurement, fine synchronization or both. TheUE obtains the channel bandwidth of DL CVC through system informationbroadcasting/group-broadcasting such that it is common for all UEsreceiving the system information. In one embodiment, the channelbandwidth of DL CVC can be broadcasted in the minimal system informationcarried in physical broadcasting channel. In another embodiment, thechannel bandwidth of DL CVC can be broadcasted in the minimal systeminformation carried in physical shared channel. DL CVC 411 CVC supportsboth common/group-common search space & UE-specific search space. The UEcan perform handover from a DL CVC of a serving cell to a DL CVC of thetargeted cell. Further the UE monitors paging message over it in IDLEmode. The UE also monitors DL/UL data scheduling over it in INACTIVEmode if minimal data service is allowed in INACTIVE mode.

In one embodiment, the DL DVC 412 includes at least one secondary SSanchor. The UE can operate with CONNECTED mode 432 only over DL DVC 412after network entry. DL DVC 412 includes the physical signals/channelssupporting data services. In one embodiment, DL DVC 412 further includesRS for DL RRM measurement. The UE obtains the channel bandwidth of DLDVC through RRC-layer signaling or MAC CE so it can be UE-specific. DLDVC 412 supports at least UE-specific search space but can be configuredto support common search space. The configuration to support commonsearch space is done by RRC-layer signaling or MAC CE. For UEs with toboth activated DL CVC & activated DL DVC(s), no common search space isconfigured in DL DVC(s). For UEs with activated DL DVC(s) only, commonsearch space is configured in one of the activated DL DVC(s). Systeminformation is not broadcasted to UEs periodically over the DL DVC butthe system information can be broadcasted to UEs over the DL DVCsupporting common search space when at least one of the UEs connected tothe network via the DL DVC sends the request for system informationbroadcasting to the network. When the system information is updated, thenetwork can unicast the updated part of the system information to a UEover one of the activated DL DVC 412. UE can perform handover from a DLDVC of a serving cell to a DL CVC of the targeted cell.

UL CVC 421 can be used by the UE to perform network entry and operatewith CONNECTED mode 432, INACTIVE mode 431 and IDLE mode 433. UL CVC 421includes the physical signals/channels supporting data services. In oneembodiment, UL CVC 421 further includes UL physical random accesschannel for network entry, contention-based scheduling request and ULtiming advance maintenance procedures. UL CVC 421 may also include ULphysical-layer control channel(s) for uplink feedback. The UE obtainsthe channel bandwidth of UL CVC 421 through system informationbroadcasting/group-broadcasting such that it is common for all UEsreceiving the system information. In one embodiment, the channelbandwidth of UL CVC can be broadcasted in the minimal system informationcarried in physical broadcasting channel. In another embodiment, thechannel bandwidth of UL CVC 421 can be broadcasted in the minimal systeminformation carried in physical shared channel. In one embodiment, theassociation between DL CVC 411 and UL CVC 421 is broadcasted in systeminformation. The UE can perform handover from a UL CVC 421 of a servingcell to a UL CVC of the targeted cell.

UL DVC 422 can only be used by the UE in CONNECTED mode 432 afternetwork entry. UL DVC 422 includes physical signals/channels supportingdata services. In one embodiment, UL DVC 422 further includes ULphysical-layer control channel(s) for uplink feedback. UL DVC 422 can beconfigured by RRC-layer signaling, MAC CE, Uplink physical random-accesschannel for network entry, contention-based scheduling request, or ULtiming advance maintenance procedures. For UEs with both activated ULCVC & activated UL DVC(s), no uplink physical random-access channel isconfigured in UL DVC(s). For UEs with activated UL DVC(s) only, uplinkphysical random-access channel is configured in one of the activated ULDVC(s). UE obtains the channel bandwidth of UL DVC through RRC-layersignaling or MAC CE so it can be UE-specific. The association between DLDVC 412 UL DVC 422 is configured by RRC-layer signaling or MAC CE. TheUE can perform handover from a UL DVC of a serving cell to a UL CVC ofthe targeted cell.

Efficient UE-Specific RF Bandwidth Adaptation

When the network is configured with wide contiguous bandwidth, the UEmay perform bandwidth adaptation. In one novel aspect, the UE performsan initial access to the network with a first RF configuration. The UEsubsequently performs bandwidth adaptation and switches to a widebanddata pipe with a second RF configuration. In one embodiment uponfinishing the data transmission, the UE performs bandwidth adaptation toswitch to a third RF configuration in IDLE mode.

FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary diagram for bandwidth adaptation inaccordance with embodiments of the current invention. The UE performsinitial access 511 with a first RF configuration with a first centerfrequency and a first bandwidth. In one embodiment, the first bandwidthis smaller than the available bandwidth configured. The powerconsumption during the initial access period 501 is low. The UEsubsequently starts data transmission after the initial access. At step512, the UE performs bandwidth adaptation by performing wideband datapipe activation. The UE switches to a second RF configuration with asecond center frequency and a second bandwidth. The second bandwidth isdifferent from the first bandwidth. The first center frequency and thesecond center frequency can be the same or different. With a widersecond bandwidth, the power consumption is high in the period 502. Uponcompletion of the data transmission, the UE performs another bandwidthadaptation 513 by performing wideband data pipe deactivation. The UEthen switches to a third RF configuration with a third center frequencyand a third bandwidth. The third bandwidth is smaller than the secondbandwidth. The third bandwidth can be the same, smaller or larger thanthe first bandwidth. The UE stays with the third RF configuration duringperiod 503 with lower power consumption.

FIG. 6 illustrates exemplary diagrams for different scenarios forbandwidth adaptation in accordance with embodiments of the currentinvention. The bandwidth adaptation includes switching from a smallerbandwidth to a larger bandwidth and vice versa. A UE operates with afirst RF configuration 601 with a center frequency 603. After atransition period 605, the UE performs the bandwidth adaptation andswitches to RF configuration 602 with a center frequency 604. RFconfiguration 601 has a smaller bandwidth than RF configuration 602. Inone embodiment 610, RF configuration 601 and RF configuration 602 hasthe same center frequency. In another embodiment 620, RF configuration601 and RF configuration 602 has different center frequencies. RFconfiguration 601 and RF configuration 602 have complete overlap. Inanother embodiment 630, RF configuration 601 and RF configuration 602has different center frequencies. RF configuration 601 and RFconfiguration 602 have partial overlap. In yet another embodiment 640,RF configuration 601 and RF configuration 602 has different centerfrequencies. RF configuration 601 and RF configuration 602 have nooverlap.

In a different scenario, the bandwidth adaptation switching from alarger bandwidth to a smaller bandwidth. A UE operates with a first RFconfiguration 606 with a center frequency 608. After a transition period615, the UE performs the bandwidth adaptation and switches to RFconfiguration 607 with a center frequency 609. RF configuration 606 hasa larger bandwidth than RF configuration 607. In one embodiment 640, RFconfiguration 606 and RF configuration 607 has the same centerfrequency. In another embodiment 660, RF configuration 606 and RFconfiguration 607 has different center frequencies. RF configuration 606and RF configuration 607 have complete overlap. In another embodiment670, RF configuration 606 and RF configuration 607 has different centerfrequencies. RF configuration 606 and RF configuration 607 have partialoverlap. In yet another embodiment 680, RF configuration 606 and RFconfiguration 607 has different center frequencies. RF configuration 606and RF configuration 607 have no overlap.

In one embodiment, UE supports UE-specific RF bandwidth adaptation froma first UE RF bandwidth to a second UE RF bandwidth, wherein a first UERF bandwidth is different from a second UE RF bandwidth and their centerfrequencies may not be the same. In one embodiment, the UE supports thebandwidth adaptation in CONNECTED mode, INACTIVE mode & IDLE mode. Inanother embodiment, the UE supports the bandwidth adaptation inCONNECTED mode and INACTIVE mode only and not in IDLE mode. In yetanother embodiment, the UE supports the bandwidth adaptation inCONNECTED mode only and not in INACTIVE mode and IDLE mode.

FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary diagram for the UE bandwidth adaptationprocess in accordance with embodiments of the current invention. UE 701and gNB 702 are in the wireless network. At step 711, UE 701 performsinitial access with gNB 702. In one embodiment, UE 701 performs initialaccess through CVC by detecting a primary SS anchor. Upon connected withgNB 702, UE 701 receives VC configuration 713 via RRC signaling and UE701 receives a bandwidth adaptation signal at step 712. Bandwidthadaptation signaling is used to indicate to a UE which virtualcarrier(s) (VC) is activated. In one embodiment, the bandwidthadaptation signaling can be signaled by MAC CE or physical-layersignaling. The physical-layer signaling has the benefit of shortertransition time of bandwidth adaptation and introduces less impact on UEthroughput. In one embodiment, the bandwidth adaptation signaling is adedicated signaling. The dedicated signaling has the benefit offlexibility and can be done any time without bundled with DL/UL datascheduling. The dedicated signaling can be a broadcast or agroup-multicast signaling for multiple UEs or a unicast signaling to aUE. For broadcast/group-multicast signaling, the signaling content formultiple UEs can be aggregated into single physical-layer signaling,such as DCI, using a UE group ID such as the RNTI for a group of UEs,for detection. In one embodiment, the signaling content for each UE canbe identified via embedded shortened UE ID. In another embodiment, theaggregated bandwidth adaptation signaling for multiple UEs can eitherincrease the reliability with the same signaling overhead asnon-aggregated bandwidth adaptation signaling or reduce the signalingoverhead with the same reliability as non-aggregated bandwidthadaptation signaling by exploiting channel coding gain. In anotherembodiment, the bandwidth adaptation signaling is embedded in the DL/ULscheduler. The adaptation procedure applies to single carrier operationand intra-band and inter-band carrier aggregations.

The bandwidth adaptation signaling at step 712 includes at least oneinformation including: a VC configuration index, the bandwidth and thecenter frequency location of the targeted VC, DL transmission powerspectral density (PSD) of the targeted VC, the UL power control commandfor UL transmission power adjustment over the targeted VC, triggering ofDL aperiodic reference signals transmission for CSImeasurement/reporting, and triggering of UL sounding reference signaltransmission for CSI measurement/reporting. In one embodiment, the DLPSD is an offset value to current VC. In another embodiment, the DL PSDis an absolute value of the PSD. In one embodiment, the UE utilizes thesignaled DL transmission PSD of the targeted VC to speed up its AGCsettling. In one embodiment, the power adjustment is an offset value tocurrent VC. In another embodiment, the power adjustment is an absolutevalue.

In one embodiment, the bandwidth adaptation signaling includestriggering of CSI measurement/reporting on DL aperiodic RS. UE 701 atstep 721, performs CSI measurement/reporting on DL aperiodic referencesignals. In one embodiment, UE 701 uses the aperiodic DL CSI-RStransmission for time/frequency synchronization. In another embodiment,gNB 702 uses the triggered CSI reporting for DL data scheduling.

In another embodiment, the bandwidth adaptation signaling includes ULSRS. UE 701 at step 722, performs SRS transmission for CSImeasurement/reporting by gNB 702. In one embodiment, gNB 702 uses thetriggered UL SRS transmission for AGC settling and UL data scheduling.

In one embodiment, VC configuration signaling is received by UE 701 atstep 713. The VC configuration signaling includes at least one of theinformation including a VC configuration index, the bandwidth and thecenter frequency location of the targeted VC, the DL PSD of the targetedVC, and the UL power control command for UL transmission poweradjustment over the targeted VC. In one embodiment, the DL PSD is anoffset value to current VC. In another embodiment, the DL PSD is anabsolute value of the PSD. In one embodiment, at step 723, the UEutilizes the signaled DL transmission PSD of the targeted VC to speed upits AGC settling. In one embodiment, the power adjustment is an offsetvalue to current VC. In another embodiment, the power adjustment is anabsolute value.

In one embodiment, the DL transmission PSD offset of the target VC overthe current VC, ΔS_(tx, after), is provided, UE 701 estimates itsinitial AGC level based on the received value. In one embodiment, theAGC level equals to the interference power estimation by measurementsover OFDM symbols containing no common reference signals plus estimatedS_(rx, before) plus the result of the estimated pathloss timesΔS_(tx,after). In another embodiment, the AGC level equals to thehistorical estimation of interference power plus the estimatedS_(rx, before) plus the results of the estimated pathloss timesΔS_(tx,after).

In yet another embodiment, DL transmission PSD of the targeted VC,S_(tx, after), is provided, UE 701 estimates its initial AGC level basedon the received value. In one embodiment, the AGC level equals to theinterference power estimation by measurements over OFDM symbolscontaining no common reference signals plus the result of the estimatedpathloss times S_(tx,after). In another embodiment, the AGC level equalsto the historical estimation of interference power plus the results ofthe estimated pathloss times S_(tx,after).

In another embodiment, DL RRM measurement is configured and performed byUE 701 at step 714. In one embodiment, intra-carrier DL RRMmeasurement/reporting configuration for a UE includes configuring a UEto perform DL RRM measurement/reporting (e.g. RSRP) within the activatedVC(s) for both serving cell and neighboring cells, and configuring a UEto perform DL RRM measurement/reporting (e.g. RSRP & RSRQ) outside theactivated VC(s) but within a carrier for both serving cell andneighboring cells.

FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary flow chart for the UE operation withmulti-anchor structure in accordance with embodiments of the currentinvention. At step 801, the UE performs an initial access by detecting aprimary SS anchor within the block of the contiguous spectrum. At step802, the UE obtains serving cell identification from the SS sequencecarried in the detected primary SS anchor, wherein there are one or moreSS anchors within a serving cell. At step 803, receives one or morevirtual carrier (VC) configurations of a serving cell comprising atleast the detected primary SS anchor within a VC. At step 804, the UEreceives a signaling of coding chain rate matching patterns of one ormore other SS anchors within the VCs for a serving cell.

FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary flow chart for the UE performingbandwidth adaptation in accordance with embodiments of the currentinvention. At step 901, the UE performs an initial access in a wirelessnetwork through a first RF band within a contiguous bandwidth with afirst bandwidth and a first center frequency. At step 902, the UEreceives a switching signal to switch from the first RF band to a secondRF band with a second bandwidth and a second center frequency, whereinthe second bandwidth is different from the first bandwidth. At step 903,the UE performs a RF bandwidth adaptation from the first RF band to thesecond RF band based on the adaptation signal.

FIG. 10 illustrates an exemplary flow chart for the DL RRM in accordancewith embodiments of the current invention. At step 1001, the UE receivesone or more intra-carrier downlink (DL) radio resource management (RRM)measurement/reporting configurations. At step 1002, the UE performs DLRRM measurement/reporting within one or more activated virtual carriersfor both a serving cell and one or more neighboring cells. At step 1003,the UE performs DL RRM measurement/reporting for one or more carriersoutside the one or more activated virtual carriers for both serving celland neighboring cells.

Although the present invention has been described in connection withcertain specific embodiments for instructional purposes, the presentinvention is not limited thereto. Accordingly, various modifications,adaptations, and combinations of various features of the describedembodiments can be practiced without departing from the scope of theinvention as set forth in the claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method comprising: performing an initial accessby detecting a primary SS anchor within the block of the contiguousspectrum by a user equipment (UE); obtaining serving cell identificationfrom the SS sequence carried in the detected primary SS anchor, whereinthere are one or more SS anchors within a serving cell; and receivingone or more virtual carrier (VC) configurations of a serving cellcomprising at least the detected primary SS anchor within a VC;receiving a signaling of coding chain rate matching patterns of one ormore other SS anchors within the VCs for the serving cell.
 2. The methodof claim 1, wherein the signaling of coding chain rate matching patternsaround the SS anchors is a MAC CE.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein thesignaling of coding chain rate matching patterns around the SS anchorsis a RRC layer signal.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein one or moredownlink (DL) primary SS anchors are configured with synchronizationsignals and broadcasting channels for system information (SI).
 5. Themethod of claim 4, wherein one or more DL secondary SS anchors areconfigured with synchronization signals.
 6. The method of claim 1,wherein one or more downlink (DL) primary SS anchors are configured witha primary synchronization signal (PSS), a secondary synchronizationsignal (SSS), and physical channels carrying the minimum SI for randomaccess channel (RACH).
 7. The claim of claim 6, wherein one or more DLsecondary SS anchors are configured with SSS only.
 8. The method ofclaim 1, wherein one or more downlink (DL) primary SS anchors areconfigured with a PSS and a SSS with a first timing (SS1), and physicalchannels carrying the minimum SI for random access channel (RACH). 9.The method of claim 8, wherein one or more DL secondary SS anchors areconfigured with a PSS and a SSS with a second timing (SS2).
 10. Themethod of claim 1, wherein one primary SS anchor and one or moresecondary SS anchors are configured, and wherein each SS anchor uses adifferent code sequence, and wherein the UE uses the SS sequence in theprimary SS anchor as a physical cell identification (PCI) for a commonvirtual carrier (CVC).
 11. The method of claim 1, wherein a plurality ofprimary SS anchors and one or more secondary SS anchors are configured,and wherein each SS anchor uses a different code sequence, and whereinthe UE uses the SS sequence in one primary SS anchor that is used forinitial access or being configured by the network as a physical cellidentification (PCI) for a common virtual carrier (CVC).
 12. The methodof claim 1, further comprising: subsequently, switching to a dedicatedvirtual carrier (DVC) containing a first secondary SS anchor; andperforming synchronization through the first secondary SS anchor.
 13. Amethod, comprising: performing an initial access by a user equipment(UE) in a wireless network through a first RF configuration within acontiguous bandwidth with a first bandwidth and a first centerfrequency; receiving VC configurations with corresponding RFconfigurations for a serving cell via higher layer signaling; receivinga switching signal to switch from the first RF configuration to a secondRF configuration with a second bandwidth and a second center frequency,wherein the second bandwidth is different from the first bandwidth; andperforming a RF bandwidth adaptation from the first RF configuration tothe second RF configuration based on the adaptation signal.
 14. Themethod of claim 13, further comprising: monitoring paging messages usinga third RF band with a third bandwidth and a third center frequency in aUE IDLE mode, wherein the third RF bandwidth is smaller than at leastone of the first bandwidth and the second bandwidth.
 15. The method ofclaim 13, wherein the switching signal is a dedicated physical layersignal.
 16. The method of claim 13, wherein the switching signaling is aphysical layer signal for data scheduling.
 17. The method of claim 13,wherein the switching signal is a bandwidth adaptation signal comprisingat least one adaptation signal comprising: a bandwidth and a centerfrequency location of a target VC, a DL transmission power spectraldensity (PSD) of a target VC, a UL power control command for ULtransmission power adjustment over the target VC, a triggering signal ofDL aperiodic reference signal (RS) for channel status information (CSI)measurement, and a triggering signal of UL sounding reference signal(SRS) transmission.
 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the bandwidthadaptation signal comprises a triggering signal of DL aperiodic RS forCSI measurement, further comprising: performing CSI measurement andreporting over the received DL aperiodic RS after completion of the RFbandwidth adaptation.
 19. The method of claim 17, wherein the bandwidthadaptation signal comprises a triggering signal of UL SRS transmission,further comprising: transmitting an UL SRS after completion of the RFbandwidth adaptation.
 20. The method of claim 13, wherein the switchingsignal is a virtual carrier (VC) configuration switch signal comprisingat least one VC signal comprising: a VC configuration index, a bandwidthand a center frequency location of a target VC, a DL transmission powerspectral density (PSD) of a target VC, a UL power control command for ULtransmission power adjustment over the target VC.
 21. A method,comprising: receiving one or more intra-carrier downlink (DL) radioresource management (RRM) measurement/reporting configurations;performing DL RRM measurement/reporting within one or more activatedvirtual carriers for both a serving cell and one or more neighboringcells; performing DL RRM measurement/reporting for one or more carriersoutside the one or more activated virtual carriers for both serving celland neighboring cells.
 22. A user equipment (UE), comprising: atransceiver that transmits and receives radio frequency (RF) signalsfrom one or more base stations (BS) in wireless network; a configuratorthat configures a plurality of synchronization signal (SS) anchorswithin a block of a contiguous spectrum, wherein each SS anchor is aprimary SS anchor or a secondary SS anchor; an initial access managerthat performs an initial access by detecting a first primary SS anchorwithin the block of the contiguous spectrum by a user equipment (UE);and a virtual carrier (VC) receiver that receives one or more VCconfigurations with corresponding SS anchors within the block of thecontiguous spectrum.
 23. The UE of claim 22, wherein one or moredownlink (DL) primary SS anchors are configured with synchronizationsignals and broadcasting channels for system information (SI).
 24. TheUE of claim 23, wherein one or more DL secondary SS anchors areconfigured with synchronization signals.
 25. The UE of claim 22, whereinone or more downlink (DL) primary SS anchors are configured with aprimary synchronization signal (PSS), a secondary synchronization signal(SSS), and physical channels carrying the minimum SI for random accesschannel (RACH).
 26. The UE of claim 25, wherein one or more DL secondarySS anchors are configured with SSS only.
 27. The UE of claim 22, whereinone or more downlink (DL) primary SS anchors are configured with a PSSand a SS with a first timing (SS1), and physical channels carrying theminimum SI for random access channel (RACH).
 28. The UE of claim 27,wherein one or more DL secondary SS anchors are configured with a PSSand a SSS with a second timing (SS2).
 29. The UE of claim 22, whereinone primary SS anchor and one or more secondary SS anchors areconfigured, and wherein each SS anchor uses a different code sequence,and wherein the UE uses the SS sequence in the primary SS anchor as aphysical cell identification (PCI) for a common virtual carrier (CVC).30. The UE of claim 22, wherein a plurality of primary SS anchors andone or more secondary SS anchors are configured, and wherein each SSanchor uses a different code sequence, and wherein the UE uses the SSsequence in one primary SS anchor that is used for initial access orbeing configured by the network as a physical cell identification (PCI)for a common virtual carrier (CVC).
 31. The UE of claim 22, furthercomprising: a dedicated virtual carrier (DVC) manager that switches to aDVC containing a first secondary SS anchor and performs synchronizationthrough the first secondary SS anchor.
 32. The UE of claim 22, furthercomprising a bandwidth adaptor that performs an initial access through afirst RF band with a first bandwidth and a first center frequency,receives a switching signal to switch from the first RF band to a secondRF band with a second bandwidth and a second center frequency, whereinthe second bandwidth is different from the first bandwidth, and performsa RF bandwidth adaptation from the first RF band to the second RF bandbased on the adaptation signal.
 33. The UE of claim 32, furthercomprising: an IDLE-mode manager that monitors paging messages using athird RF band with a third bandwidth and a third center frequency in aUE IDLE mode, wherein the third RF bandwidth is smaller than at leastone of the first bandwidth and the second bandwidth.
 34. The UE of claim32, wherein the switching signal is a bandwidth adaptation signalcomprising at least one adaptation signal comprising: a bandwidth and acenter frequency location of a target VC, a DL transmission powerspectral density (PSD) of a target VC, a UL power control command for ULtransmission power adjustment over the target VC, a triggering signal ofDL aperiodic reference signal (RS) for channel status information (CSI)measurement, and a triggering signal of UL sounding reference signal(SRS) transmission.
 35. The UE of claim 34, wherein the bandwidthadaptation signal comprises a triggering signal of DL aperiodic RS forCSI measurement, and the bandwidth adaptor performs CSI measurement andreporting over the received DL aperiodic RS after completion of the RFbandwidth adaptation.
 36. The UE of claim 34, wherein the bandwidthadaptation signal comprises a triggering signal of UL SRS transmission,and the bandwidth adaptor transmits an UL SRS after completion of the RFbandwidth adaptation.
 37. The UE of claim 32, wherein the switchingsignal is a virtual carrier (VC) configuration switch signal comprisingat least one VC signal comprising: a VC configuration index, a bandwidthand a center frequency location of a target VC, a DL transmission powerspectral density (PSD) of a target VC, a UL power control command for ULtransmission power adjustment over the target VC.